The Tecno Camon 18T and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G occupy a similar price bracket, targeting budget-conscious consumers. However, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving value. The Camon 18T leans on a larger display and a focus on affordability, while the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and a more modern, efficient chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the Tecno Camon 18T’s Helio G85. The significantly faster 33W charging also makes the Nord CE 2 Lite a more convenient daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 30 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 30 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iris purple, Dusk Gray, Ceramic White | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | - | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 18T
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer a larger display size (spec not confirmed)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful and efficient chipset
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- No 5G connectivity
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds
- May be slightly more expensive
- IPS LCD display isn't exceptional
- Software experience can be divisive (OxygenOS)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display. The Tecno Camon 18T’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G also uses an IPS LCD. The key difference lies under the hood: the Snapdragon 695’s ISP is more capable of handling display processing, potentially leading to slightly more accurate colors on the Nord CE 2 Lite. However, without detailed specs for the Camon 18T, a definitive judgment is difficult. Both will likely offer adequate viewing experiences for everyday use, but neither will impress display enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without sample images and detailed sensor information beyond the main sensor. However, we can infer some differences. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 695, offering improved noise reduction and dynamic range. The Tecno Camon 18T, relying on the Helio G85’s ISP, may struggle in low-light conditions. Both phones likely include a suite of secondary cameras (ultrawide, macro, depth) of questionable quality, typical for this price segment. Focusing on the primary sensor’s capabilities is crucial, and the Snapdragon’s processing advantage likely gives the Nord CE 2 Lite an edge.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Camon 18T’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 translates to superior power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 660 Gold cores (2x2.2 GHz) offer a performance advantage over the Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz). This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. The Nord CE 2 Lite also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Camon 18T.
Battery Life
The Tecno Camon 18T features 18W wired charging, while the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G supports significantly faster 33W wired charging. This difference is substantial. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Nord CE 2 Lite minimizes downtime. A full charge from 0-100% will take considerably less time on the OnePlus, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The Snapdragon 695’s superior efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18T if you prioritize a larger screen and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You'll benefit from its lower price point. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you value 5G connectivity, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and significantly faster charging speeds. It's the better choice for users who want a phone that can keep up with a more demanding lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G85 in the Tecno Camon 18T, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to its superior thermal management.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Tecno Camon 18T?
The 33W charging on the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G can realistically reduce charging times by 40-50% compared to the 18W charging on the Camon 18T. Expect a full charge from 0-100% to take around 70-80 minutes on the Nord CE 2 Lite, while the Camon 18T will likely take over 2 hours.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G worth the extra cost if I don't have 5G coverage in my area yet?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers future-proofing. 5G networks are expanding rapidly, and the phone will be ready when coverage becomes available. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 695 chipset offers improvements in 4G connectivity as well, potentially resulting in faster and more reliable 4G speeds compared to the Camon 18T.
